Leslie Saint-Julien

Leslie Saint-Julien, M.S., is a poet, author, actor, communications strategist, and educator whose work explores identity, heritage, faith, and the transformative power of the arts. The daughter of Haitian immigrants and a Brooklyn, New York native, she creates stories that preserve culture, spark meaningful conversation, and inspire people to see themselves and each other with greater understanding.

A proud member of SAG-AFTRA, Leslie studied Acting for Film at the New York Film Academy and holds a Master of Science in Strategic Communications from the University of Maryland Global Campus. She also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Maryland, College Park. Her work spans film, theater, literature, public speaking, and strategic communications, bringing together creative expression and thoughtful storytelling.

As an actor, Leslie has appeared in independent films including Men Don't Cheat, Sunny, and Fresh Out. As an author and poet, she has published multiple books, including More Than Me, Brooklyn Stew, A Cup of Me, and Hair Me: A Journey Through the Rich Tapestry of Black Hair. Her spoken-word album, Sipuation, is available on streaming platforms worldwide.

Leslie is the founder and dean of The Hair Me Institute, an educational and cultural initiative dedicated to advancing the study and celebration of Black hair culture through scholarship, performance, workshops, and community engagement. She is also the creator of Hair Me, an award-winning theatrical work that has grown into a multidisciplinary educational movement, and the founder of ROOTED, an annual cultural experience celebrating Black identity, artistry, and heritage.

Whether on stage, on screen, in the classroom, behind a microphone, or through strategic communications, Leslie's mission remains the same: to tell stories that preserve culture, challenge perspectives, and build deeper human connection.

Leslie Saint-Julien believes that communication is more than speaking—it is the foundation of identity, confidence, leadership, and cultural understanding. Through keynote presentations, workshops, classroom lectures, and community conversations, she creates engaging learning experiences that inspire audiences to think critically, communicate authentically, and tell their stories with purpose.

Drawing from her work as an actor, poet, author, communications strategist, and founder of The Hair Me Institute, Leslie's programs explore storytelling, public speaking, creative writing, Black hair culture, identity, leadership, and strategic communication. Her presentations are designed for schools, colleges and universities, libraries, nonprofit organizations, community groups, and corporate audiences seeking meaningful dialogue and lasting impact.

Leslie's mission is to educate, inspire, and empower people through the transformative power of storytelling, communication, and culture. Whether speaking in classrooms, on stages, or within communities, she seeks to create spaces where every voice is valued, every story matters, and every person is encouraged to lead with authenticity, purpose, and compassion.